Queen once ‘locked herself in the cabin’ aboard royal yacht and refused to come out until Prince Philip stopped ‘ranting’

An insight into the royal relationship that lasted for 73 years

Queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh chat while watching a musical performance in the Abbey Gardens during her Golden Jubilee visit to Suffolk in this July 18, 2002
(Image credit: Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)

The Queen and Prince Philip had many wonderful moments together over the years, but she reportedly once “locked herself in the cabin" aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and refused to come out until he stopped “ranting”.  


The Queen and Prince Philip were happily married for 73 years after they first met in the sweetest way back in 1939. The Duke of Edinburgh was a huge source of support to the Queen and his sad passing at Windsor Castle last month left her with a “huge void” in her life. Although Her Majesty has now resumed royal duties following the official royal mourning period ending in April, it’s thought the monarch could soon retreat to Balmoral in order to grieve for Prince Philip in private. 

As well as creating many happy memories throughout the decades they spent together, it seems as though, just like most other couples, the Queen and Prince Philip had a few habits that sometimes annoyed each other. 

Speaking on ITV’s Royal Rota podcast, royal biographer Robert Jobson discussed several hilarious anecdotes that highlighted this very relatable side of their royal relationship. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend The OUT-SOURCING Inc Royal Windsor Cup 2018 polo match at Guards Polo Club on June 24, 2018 in Egham, England

(Image credit: Photo by Antony Jones/Getty Images)

“Once the Queen was aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia,” he told listeners, laughing. “[Philip] was ranting so much, shouting so much about something or other that the Queen locked herself in the cabin.”

Robert light-heartedly went on to explain how a private secretary attempted to encourage Her Majesty to leave her cabin. But it seems the Queen was not going to be easily persuaded on this occasion. 

“Her private secretary, then Sir Martin Charteris, said, ‘Your Majesty, you've got to come out.’ She said, ‘I’m not coming out until he's calmed down. And I’m not coming out until he stops shouting,”’ Jobson revealed. 

The Queen And Prince Philip Waving On Board Royal Yacht Britannia During An Official Visit To Kuwait During The Tour Of The Gulf

(Image credit: Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

But while Prince Philip’s “ranting” reportedly annoyed the Queen, Jobson claimed when sharing another royal anecdote that there was also something she did that frustrated her husband. The biographer recalled a time when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were on a tour of the Caribbean, remarking it was a story that “always made [him] smile.”

Robert claimed, “[Philip] was one person who really could speak to the Queen in a way others would not be able to. I remember there was this one instance during a tour of the Caribbean and he couldn’t wait to get on the royal yacht. 

“The Queen was shaking the hands of all the officials and doing what she does very well.

“But he had enough of all of this. And so he went on board and then he stood on the deck and shouted at the Queen, ‘Yak yak yak, there's quite enough of that, we have to go now'”. 

Jobson went on to claim that “this was all recorded in the Foreign Office”. 

Queen Elizabeth II, Jamaica, 13th February 1983

(Image credit: Photo by John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty Images)

Although the Queen and Prince Philip could have been occasionally annoyed by certain habits, their love for each other and commitment to the Royal Family was unwavering throughout their marriage.

The Queen will no doubt be reflecting on all their wonderful moments together as she continues to mourn her beloved husband. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!